Justice & Peace

Eight hundred years ago St. Francis of Assisi profoundly changed the world with his message of peace, his concern for the poor and his love for all creation. Today we work to bring about justice and peace, to end violence and war, poverty and oppression, and the destruction of our planet. We hope you will join us on our journey.

A Saint’s vision for today

What Would
Francis Do?

Francis of Assisi, our founder, showed us that in order to follow Jesus and live the Gospel we must respect and care for creation, advocate for human rights, care for the poor and marginalized and be peacemakers. It is these values that motivate each and every friar to maintain a reverent attitude towards nature in such a way that they may restore it completely to its condition of brother and to its role of usefulness to all [humankind] for the glory of God the Creator. As true followers of Francis, they are to place themselves in solidarity on the side of the weak and poor and to live in this world as messengers and agents of peace and to be gentle, peaceful, unassuming, courteous and humble in their dealings with others.

Get Involved

Starting next month, friars will share their concerns about issues that reflect their Franciscan values, invite you to become involved, and suggest ways you can join them in making our world a more just and peaceful place.

In The News

Air pollution shortens human lives by more than a year, according to a University of Texas study. As reported this month by Science Daily, “The researchers looked at outdoor air pollution from particulate matter (PM) smaller than 2.5 microns.” Breathing fine particles deep into the lungs is associated with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases and cancer.

On Aug. 26, comedian David Letterman and former President Jimmy Carter launched a Habitat for Humanity effort to build 23 homes in Mishawaka, Ind. Indianapolis native Letterman told the South Bend Tribune he was inspired to volunteer by the involvement of Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who have helped build 4,200 homes since 1984.

The Urban Institute says four in 10 Americans are struggling to pay for basic needs such as groceries or housing. Aug. 28, CBS News reported a study that showed even middle-class households experienced “at least one type of material hardship in 2017.” More than 7,500 adults were asked if they had trouble paying for housing, utilities, food or health care.